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South Woodham Ferrers

 

Newsletter No. 38
 July  2009


Happy faces on the Wine Group trip to Germany
 

FROM THE CHAIR

  Summer has arrived at last. I love the long days particularly when the sun is shining.  I am fortunate to live up in the village of Woodham Ferrers at the top of the hill where there is usually a breeze. I have enjoyed three trips out with the U3A this month.  First we went to Hampton Court, where we were given a guided tour of the Tudor Apartments. Then in small groups we wandered around the beautiful gardens.  A wonderful, interesting but very tiring day out! Secondly the Wine Groups visited Newhall Vineyard in Purleigh for a tour round the winery then to a wine tasting of 10 wines plus a tasty ploughmans to act as ballast.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (I know I did) and many managed to buy a few bottles to take home. Thirdly, with the Local History Group, we visited Creeksea Church and Creeksea Place  These are off the beaten track but well worth exploring The church is very old and is most attractive. The house at Creeksea Place is not occupied, has a variety of styles from Tudor to Modern and is now used for weddings, parties etc. These trips give an opportunity to explore new areas.  I have always enjoyed such outings.  Long may they continue!

      Heather

 

 

RHINE TASTING

   An intrepid group of 12 boarded the coach at South Woodham Village Hall on Friday 19 June at 6.00 a.m. We picked up another 8 passengers at Rayleigh and set off on the long journey to beautiful Boppard on the Rhine, arriving at the superb Bellevue Hotel at around 6.00 p.m. A long and tiring journey but we were able to take a little look around the town before our evening meal.

   Saturday was a free day during which a few of us took a short ride on the town’s road train to a chair lift where those brave enough ascended the heights overlooking the magnificent Rhine and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and sights of Boppard. In the early evening we cruised down the Rhine for more magical scenery and fairy tale castles arriving at Oberwesel where we disembarked to enjoy a great meal at the wine festival joining with the locals in singing and dancing. We rejoined the boat and were treated to a spectacular fireworks display before continuing with our night cruise back to Boppard. Sunday morning and we were entertained by the town band and the locals dancing in the street before we joined our coach for a scenic drive along the opposite bank of the Rhine to Rudesheim which was a very pretty town, even in the pouring rain. After another excellent lunch we rejoined the coach for the return journey and crossed the river by ferry and enjoyed afternoon tea at St Goar. On Monday we crossed the Hunsruck and travelled to a vineyard at Zell on the Mosel. The proprietor, Peter Weiss gave us a very entertaining and informative talk on wine making and we sampled six of his wines (or was it seven or eight or ?) never mind, they were excellent. Back on the coach - carefully - and on to the very old and very pretty village of Bielstein which we were told has often been used as a film set.

   To sum up it is safe to say that we all had a wonderful time. The hotel was superb with good food and excellent facilities including a swimming pool which a few of us enjoyed before breakfast. The location was magic. Lovely walks along the riverside, wonderful medieval houses and a backdrop of steep hills covered in a patchwork of vineyards. Our driver was good and very knowledgeable of the region giving us interesting snippets of information throughout the tour. Much excellent wine was consumed along with some fine German beer and so much Asbach brandy that the bars ran dry!

   Perhaps the only disappointment was the weather, which could have been better. Nevertheless it didn’t dampen our spirits and a great time was had by all.

 


Next U3A Meeting

Wednesday, 2nd September 2009

Maureen Poole

"From Pottage to Peacocks"

   Maureen has been the head cook in the Tudor Kitchen at Kentwell Hall for many years. At Kentwell Hall in Long Melford in Suffolk they specialise in creating, for three weeks every summer, domestic life in Tudor England. Each year a different year in the sixteen century is portrayed, so they cover the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I. They are therefore able to show the changes in costume, religion, politics and, the subject which most concerns Maureen, Food.
   In the Tudor Kitchen authentic Tudor food is cooked using the great wood fire, faggot ovens and charcoal fires. Every day up to fifty people are fed in various places, using vegetable grown in the garden and meat from Kentwell’s rare breeds farm.
   In Maureen’s talk she will be concentrating mainly on the food of the upper classes. Food for the poor people would make for a very short talk.
    We look forward to a wonderful talk on such an interesting topic.

 

 

 

London Walks

Wednesday 12th August 11.00 a.m.

Palaces and Prisons
 (Not Royal Palaces but Bishop's Palaces)

Cost £6 per person, please pay Jacky Peach at next meeting.

 Meet at Temple Tube Station, Circle Line from Liverpool Street.

We hope to visit St Brides Church

 

 

NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 6th November

 A fun General Knowledge Quiz.

   Champions Manor Hall

TICKETS ON SALE AT THE SEPTEMBER U3A MEETING

 

 

 


South Woodham Ferrers U3A
Photography Competition
2009

   After the success of last year’s competition, the Committee are pleased to announce the 2009 competition! The format is the same as last year’s - it is open to all our South Woodham Ferrers U3A members and you can submit up to 3 photographs. You don't need to be a photographer to enter; imagination and enthusiasm can be enough to produce a fantastic photo! We hope that as many of you as possible will go in for the competition and we look forward to seeing your entries.

The subject for this competition is Portraits and People.

Closing Date – Wednesday 5th August 2009. You may send entries at any time between now and the closing date.

Rules

  • Photographs should be in the form of prints with a minimum size of 7" x 5".
  • A label with the picture title and entrant’s name should be stuck on the reverse of each picture. Please do not write on the back of the pictures, only on the label.
  • There is a maximum of 3 entries per individual.
  • We cannot return photographs so please send copies, not originals, of any photographs you wish to keep.

Prizes
    The 3 winning entrants will receive prizes. Our Chair, Heather Richardson, will be one of our two judges. The other is last year’s judge (and now U3A member) Ken Pratt, who is also the Chairman of the South Woodham Ferrers Camera Club and who has many years of photography competition experience. The winning photographs from our competition will be featured in our newsletter and will be on display at our general U3A meeting in September or October.

All entries to: - Mrs Carol Weston, 21 Leeward Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5YR.
    You can, of course, give your photographs in person to Carol at one of the general U3A meetings on the first Wednesday of the month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS FROM THE ACTIVITY GROUPS

Gardening Group
Group Coordinator : Mary Dodd   320726. Email: mbdoddswf@aol.com

   Meets once a month on days according to the programme.

   On Monday 22nd June, twentyone garden members headed off for just past the Zoo at Colchester to visit the above garden of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. We were met in the car park by Gay Edwards who conducted us to the Terrace where she told us a little about the history of the garden. The house, in !837, was described as being ‘in a fearful state of dilapidation which tells that in a very few years it will cease to exist, ‘happily not borne out. In the 1960s pastureland reached nearly up to the house. During this time the middle pond was excavated, the ride cut through the woodland, most of the yew slope were planted and the terrace in front of the house added from which the slope runs down to the Roman River.

   The present owners moved there in 1981 and the planting has been kept within that structure. As we were guided around the garden the peacefulness of the setting was apparent with birds singing merrily and geese foraging on the lawn (oops mind where you put your feet!!) The owner was well versed in the names of her plants and the planting had been well thought out. After tea and biscuits we looked around the veg. patch and who could resist buying a plant. Altogether we had a beautiful morning in very pleasant surroundings

 

 

The Art Group 1
Group Coordinator : Ann Fuller 324264

   Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Village Hall

 

The Art Group - Mixed Media
Group Co-ordinator : Ali-J Wilson   426232   Email: alijaywilson@btinternet.com

   Meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 2.00 p.m.

  

 

 

Wine Appreciation
Group Coordinator : Anne Jackson   323173. Email: townfarm@talktalk.net     Google group / wine tasting

   Meets on the second Friday of each month at 2.00 p.m..to 4.00 p.m.

 

 

Wine Appreciation - Group 2
Group Coordinator : Gerald Malone   325572.

   Meets on the second Friday of each month at 2.00 p.m.to 4.00 p.m.

 

Wine Appreciation - Group 3
Group Coordinator : John Weston   325080. Email: sturnus@hotmail.com    Google group / wine tasting

   Meets on the second Friday of each month at 2.00 p.m.to 4.00 p.m.

 

 

Walking Group
Group Coordinator : Bob Tyas   321110 or  07889 949685. Email: robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk
For the most up-to-date list of dates and activities, see: swfu3a-walking.org.uk

     
Hardy walkers at the end of a very wet walk!

   Meets on the first and third Friday of each month.

   The first walk of the month tends to be the longer of the two. If you would like to join us, just turn up. Alternatively please feel free to contact me for further information using any of the means listed above.

This month’s walks are as follows:
   Friday 3rd July  The first walk this is in Bradwell and will be a walk of approximately 6.5 miles. Please meet in the parking area close to St Peters on the Wall for a 10.00 a.m. start. The walk is over flat terrain and at this time of the year should be very pleasant. Because of the distance and hopefully sunny weather remember to bring plenty to drink.
   Friday 17th July  The second walk this month is one we have done on several occasions at Papermill Lock and is of about 3.5 miles. Please meet in the Papermill Lock car park for a 10.00 a.m.start. Please note that toilets are available at the start of the walk.

Advance notice of August Walks 
   Friday 7th August - Purleigh Walk No 1- approximately 5 miles.
   Friday 21st August – Marsh Farm – approximately 2.5 miles.

 

Luncheon Club
Group Coordinator : Heather Richardson   320205. Email: heatherhmr99@waitrose.com

   Meets on the second Thursday of each month.

 

 

Family History
Group Contact : Rosemary Dorado  321102. Email: RosemaryDoradoUK@aol.com     Google group / family history

   The group meets on the fourth Monday of the month, 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

   

 

Singles Social & Dining
Group Coordinator : Joan Sears    01245 325015   email: joan.sears@homecall.co.uk

  Meets the third Monday of the month.    

'Singles at Southend-on-Sea Pier

   There were 9 of us that went to Southend Pier on the 8th June; we rode on the train, lunched in the café and toured round the end of the pier. The tide was in, the sun was shining and we all had a very enjoyable, relaxing time. Our next event is a trip to Hadleigh Castle on the 20thJuly, meet at the Village Hall at 11.30 a.m.  Jan & Bob have kindly offered to host our annual BBQ on the 10th August, 12.00 noon. I will bring lists to the next meeting for you to sign, or please ring me, to let me know if you are coming to these two events and what food you are bringing to the BBQ.

 

 

Local History Group 1
Group Coordinator : Jennifer Brunning   322282.   Email: alan@markbrunning.plus.com

   Meets on the third Thursday of each month: 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

   There is a change to the programme for 16th July. Jill Goodson will be our guide for a historical walk around Danbury. We will be walking for about 1-2 miles and finish with refreshments in the Griffin.  Jill has written two books on Danbury and Little Baddow and they will be on sale at £10 each. Meet in St John’s Church car park on the main road at 2.00 p.m. or park in the Griffin Pub if there is room.  From now on we will be taking names and money in advance for our visits.

 

Local History Group 2
Group Coordinator : Jackie Peach   321722.   Email: r95peach59@btinternet.com

   Meets on the second Tuesday of each month: 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

   Tuesday 14th July 2.00 p.m.  Just a reminder for History Group 2 that we meet in the car park at the back of Bicknacre School, not the School Car Park. We will be walking over fields so suitable boots or shoes.

Local History Groups 1 & 2

  We will be running a coach trip for both groups on Thursday 20th August leaving the Village Hall at 9.30 a.m. at a cost of £22, return at approximately 4.00 p.m.  The tour is called Creeks, Cockles and Cockneys and we will be joined by a Blue Badge Guide. There will be a break for morning coffee/tea and biscuits and a stop for lunch of pie and mash included in the price. It is described as a beautifully balanced day with three distinct phases of activity, a coach tour of an unexplored area, a couple of hours on the front at Southend and finally a teatime stroll in picturesque Old Leigh-on-Sea. If you would like to read more about the tour company, visit www.cityandvillagetours.com on the internet and then get the telephone number to request a brochure on this and other tours. If you have already booked and paid a deposit can you please pay now.

  This is now full but we do have a waiting list. If you have paid a deposit please pay the balance of £12 this month.

 

 

Table Tennis Group
Group Coordinator : Doreen Malone   325572

   The group meets on alternate Fridays 7.30 - 8.45 p.m. at Marie's club house.

 

 

Bird Watching
Group Coordinators : John & Carol Weston   325080  Email: sturnus@hotmail.com    Google group / bird watching


Egyptian Goose

   Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.

   On 25th June, we went to Hanningfield Reservoir. John handed out lists of what we had seen, including numbers, during our February visit and we also had some info from previous bird watching trips to the reserve. It was interesting to compare what we had seen on the various trips at different times of the year. On this visit, we saw a very large number of coot, pochard and geese (Canada and greylag) More unusual species included an Egyptian goose and a black swan and we also spotted a deer near the Visitor Centre (probably a muntjac). John arranged for a fly past of 3 little egret, while we were in one of the hides, and this was very much appreciated.

   I wonder what he will arrange for our next visit, which will be to Fingringhoe Wick on 23rd July? We will meet at the Visitor Centre at 10:00 a.m. and we suggest you bring a picnic lunch. We will be concentrating on the woodland area of the reserve but suggest that you might like to look at the estuary after lunch as there is always plenty of interesting wildlife to be seen there, as well as good views of the river. Please ask John and Carol for directions if you are unsure of how to get there. For those of you with satnav, the reserve’s postcode is CO5 7DN We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

Digital Photography Group
Group Coordinator : Doreen Malone   325572.

   Meets on the fourth Friday of each month at 10.00 a.m..

 

 

Golfing Group
Group Coordinator : Bob Tyas   321110 or  07889 949685. Email: robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk

   Meets on the second Monday of each month.

   This month the Golfing Group will meet on the 6th and 20th of July, since I can only book 7 days in advance, I will book tee times at Three Rivers and telephone those interested in playing with the actual times once booked. If you wish to play please let me know a.s.a.p.

   New members are always welcome and if you need anymore information please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

 

 

Book Group 1
Group Coordinator : Sue Moore   01268 763679. Email: sue.moore@blueyonder.co.uk

   Meets on the first Monday of each month.

 

 

Book Group 2
Group Coordinator : Pam French    400311.  Email: derekpamfrench@hotmail.com

   Meets on the first Monday of each month at 7.30 p.m..

 

 

Computing Group
Group Coordinator : Barbara Evans    324086. Email: bjevans@gotadsl.co.uk

 

 

London Theatres
Group Coordinator : Pauline Coster     320437. Email: coster@brentpc.orangehome.co.uk

 

Calendar Girls – 22 July. Please collect your tickets immediately.

Le Caje aux Folles - 6 or 13 August. Please check the board to confirm dates and make payment this month.

Le Miserables - 16 September is the favoured date and I will be making a booking this month. Please make payment at the June meeting and add your name to the list if you haven’t already done so. There has not been any interest in a trip to London for anyone not attending the theatre so unfortunately we will not be running a coach.

Sister Act – 14 October booked. Tickets will be available at the September meeting.

Wicked - 18 or 25 November. I now have sufficient numbers to make a booking. If you are interested please add you name.

Oliver - I am taking names for this show but will not book until there is a significant offer. It will be sometime next year.

   To ensure that there are sufficient funds available when making future bookings it is suggested that a cheque is submitted when confirming dates. I would hold all cheques until the booking is made and return it to you or destroy it, if you are unable to go on the agreed date.

 

 

 

Ten-Pin Bowling
Group Coordinator : David Courtenay     321093

Meets on the second Friday of the month.

 

 

Local Theatre Group
Group Coordinator : Chris and Kay Miles   401015. Email: chrisandkaymiles@yahoo.co.uk

   Meets various dates, which are announced at the main monthly meeting according to the programme .

   We have so far booked 15 tickets for Sense and Sensibility that is being performed in the open air at Hylands House on Sunday 30th August (7.30 p.m.).  Additional tickets can be ordered (subject to availability at the box office). We have confirmed the numbers for Porridge (2.30 p.m. on Thursday 1st October at the Palace Theatre and they remain very low. We would like to finalise interest for this at the July 1st meeting. We have been notified of a performance of Dinnerladies at the Civic, Chelmsford. This runs from Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th October at 7.45.p.m. This is the week after Porridge so there may be some competition for funds. Tickets are £16.00 each. The stage play is based upon the TV series and follows the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony. TV Series actors Andrew Dunn (Tony) and Shobna Gulati (the dippy character Anita) are billed to be on stage. The local theatre group is open to all U3A members. There is no membership as such but if you wish to go on our email circulation list please forward your email address.

 

 

 

French
Group Coordinator : Bob Tyas   321110 or  07889 949685. Email: robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk
Tutor: Carol Weston

   The French Language group meet twice a month on the second Thursday and fourth Friday.

   On each occasion we meet at the Village Hall for 3 hours from 1.30 in the afternoon. Each session is run by Carol Weston. The Thursday session is a beginners class while Friday is for those with an intermediate level of French. We would like to encourage a few more members to join; however, because the groups have been going for some time now, some knowledge of French is obviously important. If you think that you might be interested please speak to either Bob or Carol Weston.

 

 

Film Making
Group Co-ordinator : Ken Pratt   324930,   Email: kenpratt@btinternet.com

Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

New Groups

 

Technology in the home
Group Co-ordinator : Ken Pratt   324930

   The aim of this group is to assist in the choice and use of technology in the home (Hi-Fi, home cinema, PC hardware, broadband provision, HD TV, and blu-ray). Coverage will include:

· Choosing Hi-Fi and TV systems that best fit your needs
· How it works
· Operation of home technology
· How to get the best out of it

   It is envisaged that the group will run for a limited time only, as the subject matter does not lend itself to a continuous group activity.

 

 

 

Please note the deadline for inclusion in next month’s Newsletter is Thursday, 30th July 2009.

 

CALENDAR

Although every effort has been taken to make these tables accurate,
please check with the Group Coordinators for further information, possible errors and/or last minute changes!

Groups that meet weekly

    Monday   1.45 p.m.   Tai Chi - SWF Village Hall 
    Monday   1.00 p.m.   Spirals - CMH 
    Monday   2.00 p.m.   Beginners Pilates & Relaxation - CMH 
    Wednesday   9.30 a.m.   Spirals - CMH
    Wednesday   10.30 a.m.   Pilates - CMH 
    Thursday   1.00 p.m.   Pilates - SWF Village Hall 
    Thursday   2.00 p.m.   Hatha Yoga - SWF Village Hall

Why we stretch…

       Stretching regularly will bring life and tone to your joints. It will reduce tension and strain in your body and your spine will feel ten years younger!

       Stretching has an anti-aging effect. As we age, the fluid in our body decreases and the elasticity in our muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and skin start to weaken. We literally start to shrink! Gravity doesn’t help the situation.

            When you stretch you are helping your body to remain young as it boosts the circulation of lubricating fluid and blood to these vital areas so they stay supple and strong. Your face and skin start to show signs of aging, but stretching helps to stimulate and nourish the face, helping you to look young and alert and energized. Stretching also helps to improve your posture, helping you to move and breathe easily and look dynamic.

For Spirals and Beginners Pilates and Relaxation contact Joani St Cliere on 01621 743533, 07787 512617     or
www.jschealthandfitness.co.uk

TAI CHI

Village Hall Hullbridge Rd.
Mondays 1.45 p.m. - 3.00 pm.

Cost per session £3.50.

All adults are welcome. Tai chi is a gentle exercise to assist flexibility, circulation, muscular, the skeletal and the nervous system.  We will be following the

Cheng Man Ching 37 Posture Form.

To find out all about this go to www.Garethchandler.com.
For more information contact: Ray Dickens 01245 426663

 

July 2009

1
   Wednesday    U3A Meeting - 2.00 p.m.
2
   Thursday  
3
   Friday   Walking at Bradwell - 10.00 a.m.
4
   Saturday  
5
   Sunday  
6
   Monday   Golf at Three Rivers GC.   Book Groups
7
   Tuesday   The Art Group -1.30 p.m.
8
   Wednesday  
9
   Thursday   Luncheon Club at the Royal Oak - 12.00 p.m.   French (Beg) - 1.30 p.m.
10
   Friday   Wine Groups trip to Chapel Down - 9.00 a.m.
11
   Saturday  
12
   Sunday  
13
   Monday   Gardening Group to RHS Wisley
14
   Tuesday   Local History Group 2 - Bicknacre Priory
15
   Wednesday  
16
   Thursday  
17
   Friday   Walking at Papermill Lock - 10.00 a.m.
18
   Saturday  
19
   Sunday  
20
   Monday   Singles to Hadleigh Castle,   Golf at Three Rivers GC.
21
   Tuesday   Art Group MM- 1.30 p.m. 
22
   Wednesday  
23
   Thursday   Birdwatching at Fingringhoe Wick - 10.00 a.m.
24
   Friday   French (Inter)  - 1.30 p.m.
25
   Saturday  
26
   Sunday  
27
   Monday    Family History - 2.00 p.m.
28
   Tuesday  
29
   Wednesday  
30
   Thursday  
31
   Friday  

August 2009

1
   Saturday  
2
   Sunday  
3
   Monday   Golf at Three Rivers GC.   Book Groups
4
   Tuesday   The Art Group -1.30 p.m.
5
   Wednesday    U3A Meeting - 2.00 p.m.
6
   Thursday  
7
   Friday  
8
   Saturday  
9
   Sunday  
10
   Monday   Singles BBQ at Bob and Janice's.
11
   Tuesday  
12
   Wednesday  
13
   Thursday   Luncheon Club - 12.00 p.m.   French (Beg) - 1.30 p.m.
14
   Friday   Wine Groups Social
15
   Saturday  
16
   Sunday  
17
   Monday   Golf at Three Rivers GC.
18
   Tuesday  
19
   Wednesday  
20
   Thursday   Local History Groups trip "Creeks, Cockles and Cockneys"
21
   Friday   Walking at Marsh Farm - 10.00 a.m.
22
   Saturday  
23
   Sunday  
24
   Monday   Gardening Group to Pebmarsh.   Family History - 2.00 p.m.
25
   Tuesday  
26
   Wednesday  
27
   Thursday  
28
   Friday   French (Inter)  - 1.30 p.m.
29
   Saturday  
30
   Sunday  
31
   Monday  

Newsletter Editor: Lyn Kear, 11 Clements Court, Tutors Way, SWF, CM3 5FB.  Tel. No. 01245 321367     Email address:  f.kear@btinternet.com

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